Moonlight Serenade

Glenn Miller

In the minds of most Americans, Glenn Miller's name is synonymous with big-band swing. His band of the late 1930s and early '40s was among the most popular of the time, and their instantly recognizable sound--marked by unusual arrangements for the wind instruments--sold millions of recordings. During World War II, trombonist Miller volunteered for service in the US Army, and his all-star service personnel band toured the US on recruiting drives. While visiting Britain in 1944, Miller's plane disappeared on a flight across the English Channel.